by Cecilia Rene
“That is an excellent question, Mr. O’Brien. I was just wondering that myself?” Remington tilted his head at Windchester.
Chuckling, Mr. O’Brien patted Remington on the back. “I’ll leave you to your interrogation. Congratulations, lad. Havin’ a wife to cherish is a fine thing indeed.”
“She hasn’t agreed to be my wife just yet, but if she does, I’ll be a very lucky man.” Remington raised his glass to the older man. He would be lucky, but would he finally break a history of abuse that ran through the Warren line?
Remington couldn’t be like his father, a man that would hit a child for spilling his tea, or a woman for saying it was “no bother.”
O’Brien squeezed his shoulder, taking him out of his dark thoughts. “If you keep thinkin’ like that, she’ll be yours sooner than ya think.” Laughing, O’Brien left the three men alone to enjoy their brandy.
Turning back to face his friend, Remington eyed Windchester curiously. He had been uncommonly missing as of late. While he understood the man did not wish to be around his wife or her mother, disappearing on one’s closest friends was unusual.
“Are you going to reveal who she is?” Remington’s voice was cool as he swirled the brandy in his glass.
A brief smile took over Windchester’s face, causing him to look younger, before it morphed into one of pain and sadness.
“Well, I’m sure Lady Oakhaven is going to be heartbroken over the news that Karrington is now in a courtship.” Heartford changed the subject, apparently noticing his friend’s discomfort.
“I am afraid there are other matters that will disturb my mother-in-law’s delicate sensibilities.” Windchester took a gulp of his brandy, ignoring his friend’s questioning look.
Sitting up, Remington leaned on the table, his gaze intense. “Such as?
“I do not wish to burden you.” Hunching his shoulders in defeat, Windchester shook his head, before looking up and signaling Flynn Griffin. “Come, let’s celebrate. The Bachelor Duke is in a courtship! God save the dear girl!” He slammed down his hand, causing his friends to laugh.
In a million years, Livie never dreamed that she would be the center of attention at Lady Wilcox’s annual ball. The popularity of the event was known even in the far reaches of Yorkshire. Now she found herself under intense scrutiny as she arrived on the arm of the Duke of Karrington. She plastered a smile on her face, trying to ignore the usual looks of disdain and judgment. They had only been courting a day, and she still could not believe that he chose her.
Livie watched as her parents moved through the crowded ballroom greeting acquaintances. Lady Wilcox, a robust and buoyant widow, blocked Livie’s and Remington’s way. She was so overwhelmed that the Duke of Karrington was present at her ball that she could not contain her excitement.
“Upon my word! You pay me the highest of honors! Now tell me the truth, Your Grace, are we to expect wedding bells soon? You and Lady Olivia are the talk of the town, and they say it is so.” Lady Wilcox rambled on without taking a breath.
Livie gasped at the lady’s bold question, wanting nothing more than to pull Remington away from the intrusive woman. She could feel the heat of embarrassment rise up to her décolletage, and once again, she felt a seed of doubt growing in her mind.
Bowing his head graciously, Remington replied smoothly, “You will be the second to know, my lady. If you will excuse us, I spot my acquaintances.” Taking Livie by the elbow, he led her away from the prying yet friendly woman.
“I am glad you were able to plot our escape. I feared she would swoon if she did not take a breath.” Livie leaned into him so only he could hear her.
His answering laugh was a pleasant surprise. One she wished she could hear more of. “Livie, you are a wicked little thing,” he whispered seductively before a fan hit his shoulder rather roughly.
They turned to find his mother glaring at him coldly.
“Is there something you wish to inform me of?” Tapping her slippered foot, she waited a second before continuing as if she had not asked him a question. “Imagine having to learn about your own son’s courtship from the gossips. It is an outrage, Remington. I have never felt such disappointment from you. Not to mention the sheer embarrassment of others congratulating me, and I have no clue what they are speaking of!” She blotted at unshed tears with her handkerchief.
“Mother Di, please do not be cross with me. I assure you our courtship has just begun. In truth, I was waiting for you to return from the country with Mr. Prescott. If I had known you had returned, I would’ve informed you immediately,” Remington rushed, his voice wavering under her scrutiny.
Livie smirked at his nervousness, enjoying the banter between surrogate mother and son.
“Fine, I guess the sight of this beautiful creature on your arm can thaw my cold heart to forgive you this one time.” His mother crossed her arms looking fierce. “But I warn you, if I have to learn of an engagement from the ton, I shall challenge you to a duel. My darling girl, how happy I am to see you.” Lady Diana took Livie’s arm, officially freeing her from Remington.
“Lady Diana, it is wonderful to see you again.”
“Please, Lady Olivia, you must call me Mother Di.” She winked at Remington, causing Livie to laugh. She tried to hide it with her gloved hand but was unable to.
Livie wanted to be cross with Mother Di, for like Lady Wilcox, she, too, was making assumptions about the possibility of marriage. But Livie knew that older women took joy in the marriage of younger women. Though, she did feel it was a bit premature to assume they would marry. They’d only been courting less than a sennight.
“Ah, Remington, I’m surprised to find you alive. Your mother has been very upset with you,” Mr. Prescott’s jovial voice called out. “Lady Olivia, you are a vision tonight. I do hope this rake is treating you properly.” His playful wink made her giggle.
“He is indeed. He does try to misbehave, but I can handle his impertinence.”
“You most certainly can, and if he gives you any trouble, you are to send for me straight away.” Lady Diana wagged a silk-gloved finger at her.
“You all do realize I am right here,” Remington said.
Heartford, Lady Julia, Windchester, and his wife joined the small group. The countess eyed Livie skeptically, her cold eyes scanned her person and found her wanting. Lady Windchester’s beauty was profound and bold, the type of lady that poems were written about if it wasn’t for the permanent scowl she possessed.
Shifting uncomfortably, Livie tried to give the lady a pleasant look noticing the countess’ disdain for her.
“Another ball, Karrington?” Windchester gave Remington a questioning gaze.
“Yes, I now find balls much more entertaining.” Remington avoided looking at Livie, but she felt him move closer to her side.
Gooseflesh rippled across her skin as his sleeve brushed against the thin muslin of her gown. It excited her that he seemed to need a connection with her.
“I must admit, Lady Olivia, it is an honor to meet the one who has secured the special attention of our duke. You must confide in me how you succeeded in such a task.” Lady Windchester’s voice was sweet with an underlying edge to it.
“She did absolutely nothing but grace him with her charm and beauty. I, for one, am very happy for the both of you.” Windchester’s joy for them was evident in his voice as he lifted his glass toward them.
His wife took a deep sip from her champagne glass and narrowed her eyes at Lord Windchester. She looked around the ballroom as if searching for someone other than the man beside her.
Livie and Julia exchanged glances at her behavior. Perhaps their marriage was less than happy.
“Thank you, my friend. I am among the happiest of men, due to this lovely creature beside me.” Remington’s eyes met Livie’s, causing butterflies to dance in her belly and heat to rise in her cheeks.
The gentlemen continued to converse about Mr. Prescott’s horses, while the ladies discussed their favorite modiste
in town. Madam Beaumont had only been in London for two years but had become the most popular dressmaker.
Lady Windchester excused herself from their company to speak with a group of gentlemen across the room, including Baron Bromswell. Shocked at the woman’s boldness, Livie was both happy the cold woman was gone but sad that the earl had such an unhappy marriage. He was such an amiable man.
The earl, however, ignored his wife, continuing on with his conversation.
The room went suddenly silent before a mass of whispers were heard throughout the room. Livie turned to see who the new focus of society’s scrutiny was. A tall, slender, beautiful woman with silky hair so light that it shined in the candlelight stood at the entrance of the ballroom, ignoring the attention. There were dark circles under her eyes, and she looked as if she hadn’t slept in days.
The occupants in the room began whispering madly as questions circled the newcomer with every step she took. A hint of sadness took over Livie, for she knew exactly what it was like to be the talk of society. It was daunting to be at the center of attention and one of the things that frightened her about coming out this Season.
“Where has she been?”
“There are only a few things that a lady goes to France for.”
“Ah, it seems your sister has returned from France.” Remington’s voice was teasing as he leaned closer to Heartford.
Livie’s gaze shifted from the Marquess of Heartford to Julia, who looked equally as surprised by the news that the marquess had a sister. Which was surprising, as Julia prided herself on uncovering secrets. The lady in question glided through the crowd, her eyes focused on Livie’s small group.
“Karrington, Heartford … Windchester, I see you three are inseparable as usual.” The woman smiled at the three gentlemen. Her eyes lingered first on Lord Windchester then Remington for longer than Livie thought appropriate.
For a lady to look at a single man in such a way, let alone a married one, seemed a bit forward to Livie. The look of familiarity was one she did not like the woman having towards Remington at all.
“I see you’ve returned safely from your travels, though you do look a little under the weather. Was it not a pleasant journey?” Heartford bent to place a kiss on her cheek.
This simple act caused a chorus of whispers to travel throughout the room.
“I see you still have no clue what to say to a lady, dear brother,” she teased, patting his arm.
The resemblance between brother and sister was uncanny. Standing side by side, one would think they were twins if it was not for their age difference. The lady seemed to be only a few years older than Livie, although the way she carried herself said she was someone who had experienced a great deal in her young life.
“Lady Evers, it is a pleasure to see you. You know my mother, and her husband, of course.” Remington waved a hand to Mother Di and Mr. Prescott. “May I also introduce you to Lady Olivia and Lady Julia St. John.”
“Yes. I’ve heard so much about you both in Heartford’s last missive. Lady Julia, he did not do your beauty justice in his last letter.” Lady Evers tipped her head at Julia, her green eyes piercing, as if she could see through her.
Lady Evers’s beauty and poise caused Livie to feel a hint of jealousy at the thin and beautiful woman that shined under society’s scrutiny. Unlike her, who nearly crumbled every time she had to face the ton.
“How surprising, as he has never mentioned you in my presence. Why did you not ever mention you had a sister?” Julia’s voice was petulant as she glared at Lord Heartford.
Her arms were crossed over her small chest, and her right foot tapped insistently, a sign that she was extremely upset. Julia’s lips thinned, her eyes closed into tiny slits, and her nostrils flared. Livie wanted to warn the earl of the monster that could be Julia St. John, but he would soon discover the truth.
He stammered nervously. “I-I admit I had failed to mention Lady Evers. We’ve only become acquainted as siblings last year. And besides, it is a very delicate subject; after all, we do not share the same mother.”
“It was one of the biggest scandals, larger than when I married my best friend’s husband shortly after she passed.” Mother Di said as she turned to Lady Evers. “Everyone wondered why your mother, the late duchess, hid you for so many years.”
“Lady Diana, I’ve always admired your ability to be truthful. It is a quality that most people of our station lack.” Lady Evers gave Mother Di a smooth smile that transformed her pretty face.
“Yes, well, it’s one of my few qualities I refuse to change.” Mother Di turned to Livie and took her by the hand. “Have you ever seen a more beautiful girl than our Olivia here? She is a perfect match for His Grace, is she not?”
Lady Evers blinked several times. “I had no idea. Heartford only mentioned both ladies, paying special attention to Lady Julia. He failed to mention Karrington was in a courtship.”
“In my own defense, Karrington only recently decided to get his head out of his—” Heartford began.
Remington cut the marquess off before he could say the crude word. “I am very glad my life entertains you all. It is true, the Bachelor Duke will soon be no more.” He gave a dramatic bow.
Livie tried to contain her joy.
“Have you been well, Lady Evers?” Windchester stared intently at the woman.
“Yes. I see your wife is doing well.” Lady Evers’s voice was strained. Lady Windchester was busy conversing with several gentlemen, her hand stroking one of their arms in open flirtation.
Windchester was momentarily at a loss for words, looking uncomfortable at the lady’s observation.
“I believe this next set is mine. Is it not?” Remington held his hand out to Livie when the current dance set ended.
Livie lifted her arm and made a show of eyeing her dance card. “Yes, it seems it is, Your Grace.” Her voice was low and needy to her ears, and she could feel the heat on her cheeks. She placed her hand in his to be escorted to the dance floor with the other couples.
Livie let out a shuddering breath as Remington pulled her close to his body. This waltz, although familiar, was nothing like the first time she danced with him. This time she was acutely aware of her body awakening every time she was in his presence. He gazed down at her as he commanded her body where he wanted it to go, and she found that she would follow wherever he led.
She licked her dry lips as she stared at his, longing for when he would press them against hers again. Taking her lip captive between her teeth, she was shocked when Remington missed a step causing them to stumble lightly. She looked up to find him staring at her mouth. She released it from the hold she had on it. Her tongue darted out to wet them lightly.
Remington bent down, his hot breath near her ear. “You’re bewitching me, Livie.”
She swallowed loudly. “Good.” Her voice was small, but inside she felt triumphant, because just maybe she was affecting the Bachelor Duke as much as he was affecting her.
Everyone is talking about the Bachelor Duke and Lady O. Will dinner with the parents change everything or is our duke one step closer to matrimony?
Livie stood in her dressing room as Abigail laced the stays of her corset. Her breasts lifted, practically spilling out. Breathing in and out, Livie pressed her hand to her abdomen directly over her petticoat, wishing she could make it tighter.
“Stop touching your tummy. You are going to look very lovely for dinner tonight,” Abigail’s voice stuttered with emotion as she held the green evening gown out for Livie to step into.
Livie tucked a loose curl in place, her nerves knotted in anticipation. Her parents were hosting the dinner party in celebration of both her and Julia’s courtships.
“I haven’t had one of Cook’s sweets since my courtship with the duke began. Mother is being relentless. Not to mention I’m sure I have not lost a single stone.” Livie huffed in response, scanning her own body critically.
She wanted the night to be a success. It would be the firs
t occasion that she actually spent time with Lady Diana and her husband out from under the ever-watchful eye of society. If she were to marry Remington, she wanted to get to know his family as well. Livie was a ball of nerves, and she desperately wanted something sweet.
She walked over to her dressing table, took out her paternal grandmother’s gold necklace, and handed it to Abigail. The intricate flowers held tiny emeralds to perfectly match the dress.
Fastening the necklace, Abigail smiled at Livie’s reflection in the mirror. “You are a vision. You will indeed take the duke’s breath away.”
Before Livie could answer, Julia rushed into the room. She was wearing a dark blue gown with leg o’mutton style sleeves and a fitted bodice. She announced dramatically, “Livie, we must hurry before our guests arrive.”
“I’m coming.” Livie rolled her eyes. She stood and followed her out of the room and down the stairs, listening to her cousin prattle on.
“Do you think his mother and uncle will like me? What if they forbid him to marry me? I couldn’t bear it. To think of my life without Henry is unbearable.” Julia barely took a breath.
“I’m sure it will be fine. How can they not love you?” Livie questioned as they reached her parents at the bottom of the stairs, ready to welcome their dinner guests.
“You’re right, everyone loves me, it’s impossible not to. Even his sister seemed rather agreeable, don’t you think?” Julia fluffed her skirts, a nervous habit she had.
“Yes,” Livie answered shortly, not knowing what to think of Lady Evers. She was a beautiful, slender lady, who was very acquainted with Remington and his friends.
It unnerved her that the lady was so comfortable in his presence and so pretty and thin—very thin. How could Livie compete with the beautiful, slender woman?
Livie took her place beside her parents with Julia standing beside her. Her father gave the butler a brief nod. He opened the door just as the Marquess of Heartford, his lady mother, and uncle walked up the steps and into the house. Lady Heartford’s dark hair was vastly different from her son’s golden curls. Her disposition was nothing like the always jovial marquess.
